The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the work environment in many ways, including a significant impact on employer-sponsored health benefits. The past year has resulted in changes to how frequently individuals visit the doctor (or do not visit the doctor), purchase eligible medical expenses, and need dependent care. In response to the pandemic, the IRS, Congress,
Court Affirms that PEPRA Does Not Limit County’s Right to Repeal COLA Pickup
On December 20, 2016, the California Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District reaffirmed the purpose and spirit of the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (“PEPRA”) as a law designed to “limit,” rather than “shield,” public employees’ retirement compensation. In the recent case, San Joaquin County Correctional Officers Association v. County of San Joaquin
Do You Have Seasonal Workers? What To Know About Health & Retirement Benefit Obligations
As the summer season winds down, so do public agency departments that hire seasonal workers to staff summer camps, pools, extended park and recreation hours, and a myriad of season-specific facilities and activities. But, just how do seasonal workers impact the agency’s health and retirement benefit obligations?
- The Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), Seasonal Worker Exception
Courts Continue to Chip Away at Vested Rights
In the past few years, the courts have made it more difficult to establish a vested right to retiree medical benefits. We now have a decision that greatly reduces employee / retiree defenses that a change in benefits is unconstitutional. The First District Court of Appeal last week upheld the Marin County Employees’ Retirement Association’s